Foundations

By

John Owens

July 13, 2009

What do you think of when you think of the Declaration of Independence? I asked my 14-year-old son this question and his reply was, “Liberty and freedom.” I thought was a good answer and probably true for most of us. The founders of this country felt so strongly about these freedoms or rights they took pen to paper and wrote them down in what we have today as the U. S. Constitution. This document is the foundation our country was built upon. I often wondered what we would do if we lost the Constitution, our foundation. Would we know our rights or would some of our freedoms be lost? I believe we might lose our way. That is exactly what happened to the people of Israel. God’s laws had been lost when the people were in exile. After they returned to Jerusalem and were rebuilding the walls and the temple, the lost book of the law was found.

Nehemiah 8: 2-6 tells of Ezra the priest bringing the book of the Law to the assembly and reading it to them. It says the people stood up when the book was read. In our county when the president walks into a room, people stand to show their respect for the position they occupy. The same is true for a judge. In the military you have to stand at attention when an officer enters the room. It is a way of showing respect. In Nehemiah’s time, the people showed their respect and reverence for God’s Law by standing while it was read. They were so happy it had been found. I guess the old saying that says “sometimes we don’t truly appreciate things until we lose them,” is very true.

For us as Christians God’s Word should be the foundation on which we build—the guide for how we conduct our lives. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. Jesus said in John 17:17, “Thy word is truth.” The Bible tells me of God’s love and mercy. It says in Romans 5:8 that God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Our faith comes from God’s Word. Romans 10:17 says that faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the Word of Christ. Though I may be weak, God Almighty is strong. For this reason a person who is a follower of Christ should read their Bible often. 1 Peter 2:2 says, “Like newborn babes, crave pure spiritual milk so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” Studying God’s Word is how we grow in our Christian walk, so God’s Word is our foundation. We will all face various problems in our lives such as death of a loved one, loss of a job, illnesses, or family troubles, and without the foundation of Jesus Christ we can become discouraged to the point we feel there is no hope. As a Christian we have the solid foundation of Jesus. Jesus illustrated this truth in the parable found in Matthew 7:24-27.

In our song book there is a song, “O Love that Will Not Let Me Go.” It was written by George Matheson in 1842. George Matheson grew up in Scotland. Though he struggled with poor eye sight, he was a very bright young man. When he was in high school he decided he wanted to be a minister. After high school he enrolled in college and while there became engaged to be married. After a short time in college, he went totally blind. He continued on in his studies as best he could with the help of his sister. Then one day his fiancé’ came to school and returned his engagement ring to him saying that she could see no future in being married to a blind man. He was heartbroken, but he continued on because he wanted to be a minister for Christ. He went on to become one of Scotland’s most famous ministers. Toward the end of his life he penned the words to the song, “O Love that Will Not Let Me Go,” to give us hope that even though bad times may come, God is ever faithful. Even when bad times come and people may disappoint or desert us, God will never leave or forsake us.

We should be careful builders and be sure the stones we lay are based upon God’s Word. Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, “With God all things are possible.” With God’s help, we can do great things. *

* John Owens delivered this address June 28, 2009 at the Heartland Church of Christ, 1963 West Main Street, Greenwood, Indiana 46142.